NaturalVision 2.0 Readme



Introduction

NaturalVision 2.0 is the result of greatly utilizing ReShade, ENB, VisualSettings and TimeCycle files in combination with the VisualV mod.
The goal was to try and make GTA5 look as photorealistic as possible. Over 400 hours of work was put into Version 2.0, which is a complete overhaul of the original mod.

Although this was built on top of VisualV's files, there have been numerous changes made to the environmental weathers, lighting and colors in order to improve the aspect of realism.
The tonemapping has also been adjusted through VisualSettings and ReShade to try and mimic how we view the real world through our eyes.

Dozens of real-life photos showing Los Angeles and the Salton Sea were viewed in order make sure everything looks as accurate as possible.
Plenty of high quality video footage was also viewed.

While everything isn't exactly perfect due to restraints on the game shaders, there is currently no other GTA5 graphics mod that looks this balanced and realistic.
Obviously I can't take all the credit since I built NaturalVision on top of VisualV in order to save a lot of time.
I think there are a lot of talented modders out there who are working hard but everyone needs to come together in order to make the ultimate mod.
This includes editing the timecycle (VisualV) to creating new textures (Realism Team) and having a good eye for photorealism.

I think a lot more can be done with the talent we have in the modding community.
If you think NaturalVision 2.0 is great and want to help improve it with your skills, then feel free to contact me.


Requirements and General Info

Recommended Specs:

The only thing that matters is how you run currently run GTAV without mods and the FPS you receive on average. 
Take the framerate you normally receive in GTAV and subtract it by 5 or 10 numbers. 
All of this depends on which ReShade Preset you decide to use. 
For example, the Performance Preset will help you gain 10fps at the cost of some visual effects.

What You Need:

NaturalVision 2.0 - DOWNLOAD
OpenIV - DOWNLOAD
VisualV (Latest Version)  - DOWNLOAD
VisualV 0.250  - DOWNLOAD
DLL Files - DOWNLOAD

Note:

You don't have to use ReShade with this mod, but you do need the ENB portion.
It looks good enough with ENB and the timecycle / visualsettings file edits, but ReShade is recommended for those who want the full experience.

Before we begin, make sure your game folder is clean.
If you are using the previous version of NaturalVision then please uninstall it.

You can uninstall it by deleting these files/folders:
- d3d11.dll
- dxgi.dll
- ReShade.dll
- /ReShade/
- ReShade.fx
Now let's get to installing the new version!

Install Instructions

Step 1:

Extract the NaturalVision 2.0 folder to your desktop. Don't touch anything yet, we'll come back to this later.

Step 2:

Download OpenIV and set it up


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Run OpenIV

Click "Tools > ASI Manager" and then install then install the ASI Loader Plugin 

Next install the OpenIV.ASI Plugin

OpenIV will ask if you want to make a 'mods' folder - Click YES

Exit OpenIV

Step 3:

Download VisualV (Latest Version) and install it to the mods folder.


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Extract VisualV (Latest Version) to your desktop

Browse to the VisualV folder named "installation via modPackage" and open VisualV.oiv using OpenIV

If it does not open using OpenIV by default, then right click it and change the 'Opens with:' to use OpenIV as shown in the image below

IMPORTANT: Do not install the "Earths Atmosphere" mod from the VisualV "Optionals" folder.
It creates problems with the overall colors when used in combination with NaturalVision.


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The .exe path for OpenIV is located at "C:\Users\PC\AppData\Local\New Technology Studio\Apps\OpenIV"

When you're done, the latest version of VisualV should be installed into a folder named "mods" inside of your Grand Theft Auto V game directory

Step 4:

Download VisualV 0.250 and extract it to your desktop. This is different from the version in the last step.

In the next few steps, we're going to copy some files into the "NV 2.0 Editor" folder.

Pay attention to the text below.

Go into the "NaturalVision 2.0" folder we extracted earlier in Step 1. 
Browse to the sub-directory labeled "NV 2.0 Editor" and leave it open inside of a new window on your computer. 

Go back to the VisualV 0.250 folder and browse to the following directory: "59fe5b-VisualV 1.0.250\installation files\update.rpf\common\data"

Copy "visualsettings.dat" from the VisualV 1.0.250 folder into the "NV 2.0 Editor" folder.

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Browse to the "timecycles" folder located here: "59fe5b-VisualV 1.0.250\installation files\update.rpf\common\data\timecycles"

Copy every file from this folder into the "NV 2.0 Editor" folder.

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Browse to the "levels\gta5" folder located here: "59fe5b-VisualV 1.0.250\installation files\update.rpf\common\data\levels\gta5"

Copy "weather.xml" from this folder into the "NV 2.0 Editor" folder.

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The end result should look like this:

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Now take a deep breath and move on to the next step.

Step 5:

Run the "NaturalVision Editor" program file.

It will automatically edit the VisualV 0.250 files and add the NaturalVision 2.0 edits to every single file.

You're basically replacing the VisualV timecycle, visualsettings and weather files with the NaturalVision 2.0 edits. 

The latest version of NaturalVision uses VisualV as a base and builds on top of that by editing tons of variables throughout all these files.

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MD5 Checksum: 65512608BA7CF571FAB4D8406758BC58
After the above process is complete, run the OpenIV program that we installed back in Step 2.

Once you have OpenIV running, select 'Grand Theft Auto V' and browse to your "mods" folder.

Go to "mods\update\update.rpf\common\data" and press the "Edit Mode" button, then click Yes to continue.

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We're going to copy files from the "NV 2.0 Editor" folder into the "mods" folder.
You can drag and drop files from one folder to another. This will replace the old files.

visualsettings.dat goes in:
mods\update\update.rpf\common\data

timecycle and w_ (.xml) files go in:
mods\update\update.rpf\common\data\timecycle

weather.xml goes in:
mods\update\update.rpf\common\data\levels\gta5

Remember, you are copying these files from the "NV 2.0 Editor" folder and placing them
in your GTAV mods folder through the OpenIV tool.


Step 6:

This step is optional but highly recommended for the full experience.
We're going to install the ENB and ReShade 3.0 preset made exclusively for this mod.
Go into the "NaturalVision 2.0" folder and then browse to the sub-directory labeled "ReShade and ENB Files".

Copy everything from this folder and paste it into your main Grand Theft Auto V directory.

Replace everything. Make sure that you DO NOT have dxgi.dll or any files from older ReShade configs.
Everything has to be clean before you copy and paste these files.

Next, go to this link and download the new .DLL files.

Copy and paste all three of these .DLL files into your main Grand Theft Auto V directory.

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IMPORTANT STEP: 

Go back into your Grand Theft Auto V directory and open up the "ReShade.ini" file.

You will see that by default, the directory path to the shader files is using the C:/ drive and the Steam folder.

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If your copy of Grand Theft Auto V is installed into a different directory, then you must change everything accordingly.

Once you are done fixing the directory paths, save the "ReShade.ini" file.

If you do not do all of the above, then the ReShade effects may not work properly.


We're done installing the NaturalVision 2.0 mod!
Before starting the game, please read below for some tips.



Texture Color Fix

In the NaturalVision 2.0 folder, there is an .OIV auto-installer file called "Texture Color Fix". You can open this with the OpenIV program.

I recommended installing this at the end, as it will fix the vibrancy of Palm Trees and Stop Signs scattered throughout the game world.

It's made exclusively for the ReShade preset included with NV 2.0 and is not meant to be used with other ReShade presets.

In the future, I will add more texture tweaks to this .OIV file.

If you have any texture color recommendations, please leave them in a comment on the GTA5-Mods.com page.

Installing LA Roads 2.0

It's very important for you to install the LA Roads 2.0 mod before starting your game for the first time.
The default game roads are very dark and unrealistic in comparison to modern day Los Angeles.
Roads also effect the sky color and overall lighting. Installing LA Roads will give you the recommended experience.
Download Here: https://www.gta5-mods.com/misc/l-a-roads-oiv-open-iv-package-installer
It will take a few minutes for the install process to finish, so just be patient.

Once you finish installing the above file, download the LA Roads 2.0 PATCH and install it as well.
Download Here: https://www.gta5-mods.com/misc/l-a-roads-patch

Trainer Tips

In order to have the best possible experience, you will need to download a Trainer menu.

The default weather in GTAV is a bit iffy. With a trainer, you can set it to whatever you prefer (ex. ExtraSunny, Clear, Rainy etc.)

In NaturalVision 2.0, the 'ExtraSunny' weather has blue skies with no clouds in the sky, while 'Clear' weather has light blue skies and plenty of clouds. 
Neutral weather has the same sky color as 'Clear' weather, but without the clouds.
I recommend downloading PC Trainer V.


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You can achieve the best looking screenshots by combining different weathers and time of day 
in various locations throughout Los Santos and Blaine County.

Display Brightness Tips

GTAV has an in-game Display setting which lets you adjust the brightness of your game.

In order to have the best looking graphics and lighting, you must turn your brightness 3/4 of the way up by adjusting the slider.

You do not need to copy my settings below, as they're based on my own monitor's brightness settings.

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The Rockstar logo MUST be visible. 

ReShade Tips

Once you're in-game, you can open up the ReShade 3.0 menu by pressing "Scroll Lock" on your keyboard.

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With the menu opened up, you are able to click the "Home" tab and then toggle the drop-down menu to change presets.

There is the "Main Preset" and then the "Performance Preset". Choose whichever preset you like the most.

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For more information on using ReShade 3.0, please visit this link.

List of Compatible Mods

Below is a list of known mods/trainers that work with NaturalVision 2.0
PC Trainer V
Simple Trainer
Menyoo
Enhanced Native Trainer (Update 31)
Map Editor
LSPD First Response
If you have any questions regarding mod compatibility, please leave a comment on the GTA5-Mods.com page.

Recommended Mods

Below is a list of mods that I personally recommend you use for the best experience.

Environmental Mods
LA Roads 2.0
LA Vegetation (If you install this, make sure to install the 'Texture Color Fix' again)
Advanced Blur (Comes with any version of VisualV inside the 'Optionals' folder)
Real Freeway Signs
Environmental Emergency Lights
Gameplay Mods
Euphoria Ragdoll Overhaul
Open All Interiors
Simple Foot Controls
On-Foot Cinematic Cam
In-Game Screenshot
Player Location Display
Vehicle Mods

Note: Install these at your own risk if you're a beginner. Messing up the install can corrupt your game files.
2015 Lamborghini Aventador
2016 Porsche Cayman
2015 Ferrari LaFerrari
2015 Ford Mustang
2014 Pagani Huayra
Ferrari 599 GTO
1999 Ford Crown Victoria LAPD
2015 Chevy Tahoe LSSD
2016 Nissan 360Z Nismo Z34
2015 Audi RS7 Sportsback
Ford Mustang Fastback
2017 Lamborghini Centenario
Bugatti Chiron

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why did you name it NaturalVision 2.0 instead of 1.5?

Answer: It was initially going to be called NaturalVision 1.5 but there have been so many changes made to this mod since then, 
that I decided 2.0 was a more appropriate number. This is a total overhaul of what NaturalVision used to be and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Question: My game keeps crashing on startup. What did I do wrong? 

Answer: This is one of the most commonly asked questions and the answer always depends. 
In previous versions of NaturalVision, it was much more complicated to get ReShade 2.0 working.
Now that we've upgraded to ReShade 3.0, there will be less frequent crashes if you followed the install tutorial.
A lot of trainers that did not work with ReShade 2.0 now work with ReShade 3.0, so those crashes are eliminated.

Things that can cause your game to crash:
- Recording software such as Fraps, MSI Afterburner etc. won't work with ReShade.
- You forgot to install the ReShade .DLL Files or you forgot to delete old ReShade/SweetFX .DLL files.
- You installed a custom vehicle mod and it was either buggy or you messed up the install, but it's causing crashes.
- Running Teamviewer in the background can cause a crash in fullscreen.
Question: I'm getting a red text error message when starting up my game. I can't get this stupid mod to work!

Answer: You forgot to install the ReShade .DLL files. Go back to Step 6 and read over it again. 
Question:  I read through this FAQ and still can't figure out my issue. Please help me.

Answer: In that case you can send me a screenshot on the GTA5-Mods.com comment page.
The screenshot must show me all the files in your game directory. That way I can try to figure out if you're missing anything. 
Question:  My game looks ugly. How do I make it look like your screenshots?

Answer: If you don't have the same visual quality as me, it's probably because you are not downsampling your game from a 5k resolution. 
This removes a lot of the anti-aliasing aka jagged edges from the game, leaving a sharp picture. 
I only recommend using NVIDIA DSR on a high-end computer or for taking screenshots. 
Question: I'm getting a lot of flickering in my game after installing your mod. Can you help?

Answer: Open up the ReShade 3.0 menu in-game and disable the 'MXAO' shader.
Question: My framerate is really bad, even with the Performance Preset. What can I do to improve FPS?

Answer: If your computer can't even handle the Performance Preset, then you may want to look into upgrading your rig. 
There is not much I can do to help you here. 
Question: How do I make two copies of GTAV to play with mods and also play GTA Online?

Answer: You need two separate folders. If you're a Steam user, then you can name one folder "Grand Theft Auto V Online" while your modded folder is called "Grand Theft Auto V". 
When you want to play online, name the modded folder "Grand Theft Auto V Modded" and rename the GTA Online folder "Grand Theft Auto V".
You basically just switch back and forth with names. Steam will detect the folder named "Grand Theft Auto V" when you launch your game, 
so it makes sense to rename your folders every now and then depending on what you feel like playing. 
Question: Does this mod work with GTA Online?

Answer: Nope, it's strictly for Single Player because Rockstar don't allow timecycle mods to work in online.
Question: I don't like the new version of NaturalVision for some reason. Where can I download the old versions?

Answer:
NaturalVision 1.1 - https://goo.gl/WqkKya
NaturalVision 1.2 - https://goo.gl/PZ6d9g
NaturalVision 1.3 - http://goo.gl/k5XMME
NaturalVision 1.4 - https://goo.gl/scQQug

Future Updates

Work has already begun on the next update.
If you have any suggestions on what I should add or modify, please leave a comment on the GTA5-Mods.com page with details.

Current plans are to modify the Overcast and Cloudy weather, as well as improve the Sunset during ExtraSunny and Clear weather.

More to come...

Author Contact Information

Rockstar Social Club: https://socialclub.rockstargames.com/member/razed-
Steam Profile: https://steamcommunity.com/id/razed/
Flickr Profile: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137735387@N03/
GTAForums Profile: https://gtaforums.com/user/278019-razed/
Discord Handle: rpg#0560
E-mail: blindguardian@gmail.com

Credits

Rockstar Games & Rockstar North
VisualV Team (_CP_ & robi29)
ReShade 3.0 Team (Crosire, MartyMcFly, Ganossa, Ceejay and others)
ENB Dev (Boris Vorontsov)

Special Thanks

Frazzlee (Huge help! Making the install script, beta testing and more)
Elimina (Helping me create the trailer and providing feedback)
Laczarus (Beta testing, providing feedback and translating my readme to the German Language)
Quentin Tarantino (Helping me understand some of the more difficult timecycle variables)
turtlevan (Thank you for the feedback and knowledge)
OptioNz (Thank you for beta testing)
young hollow (Translating my readme to the Russian Language)

...and many other people that helped provide feedback, beta test or supported me.

Thank you.

END